Lakisha Sanders is the new assistant vice president of financial aid and student fiscal affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Her background includes over two decades of financial aid experience at both four-year and two-year institutions. She previously served as a traveling financial aid consultant with Ellucian Banner.
Sanders received a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Illinois and a second bachelor’s degree in information technology from Georgia Southern University. She earned an MBA in digital marketing and a master’s degree in strategic leadership and development, both from Clayton State University in Georgia. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in higher education leadership from Clark Atlanta University.
Seth Thompson was recently appointed chief diversity officer for the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. He comes to his new role from Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, New York, where he was vice president of student affairs and senior diversity officer. Earlier in his tenure with the community college, he was director of diversity education and support services and director of multicultural services.
After completing his associate’s degree from SUNY Canton, Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in education from SUNY Potsdam. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in education from Capella University.
Ala’Torya V. Cranford has been named vice president for student success at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Her appointment marks a return to the college, where she previously served as director of alumni relations. More recently, she has served in student affairs leadership roles with Lane College in Tennessee, Alabama A&M University, and Fort Valley State University in Georgia.
An alumna of Paine College, Dr. Cranford holds a master’s degree from Walden University and a Ph.D. from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
Shawn B. Thomas has been appointed director of investment leadership programs for the United Negro College Fund. She has over three decades of combined experience in academia, banking and finance, operations, and organizational management. Her background in education includes key leadership roles with Trevecca University in Nashville, Ohio Christian University, and Atlanta Unbound Academy.
Dr. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Florida A&M University, an executive MBA in international business from Mercer University in Georgia, and a Ph.D. in organization and management from Capella University.
DeNeia B. Thomas is the inaugural vice provost at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. With extensive experience in higher education leadership, she most recently served as dean of the College of Professional Studies at Lincoln University of Missouri. Earlier, she was chief of staff at West Virginia State University and associate provost at Kentucky State University.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kentucky State University. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in educational psychology, as well as an educational specialist degree from the University of Kentucky
